Libya finds mass grave of human trafficking victims in Ajdabiya
Libyan security forces in the city of Ajdabiya have uncovered a mass grave containing the remains of 21 people from different African nationalities, identified as victims of human trafficking networks. The discovery followed a security operation and wide-ranging investigations that led to the arrest of a Libyan suspect accused of killing the victims. Several mass graves were found, containing victims who were killed in cold blood. Investigations pointed to a Libyan national with a criminal record, suspected of sheltering undocumented migrants as part of activities linked to human trafficking. Following a raid on the farm by the Ajdabiya branch of the Internal Security Agency, with support from Brigade 166, security forces found several victims suffering from gunshot wounds and in critical condition.
Source:Libya Today
January 15, 2026 10:50 UTC
Prosecutors detain foreign national over forged civil registry records
The public prosecution has ordered the detention of a foreign national and the arrest of a civil registry employee in the eastern city of Al-Marj over the alleged forgery of family records that enabled at least 10 foreigners to obtain national identification numbers. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Office of the Attorney General said the foreign national colluded with an employee at the Al-Marj civil registry office to use a family registration number belonging to a family line that had ceased to exist since 1989. The forged family record allowed 10 foreigners to secure national ID numbers and benefit from rights associated with Libyan citizenship, the statement said. The committee investigating civil status data forgery within the jurisdiction of the Al-Bayda Court of Appeal ordered the foreign suspect to be held pending investigation. Prosecutors also ordered the suspension of all documents issued on the basis of the forged record and the arrest of the civil registry employee for questioning.
Source:Libya Observer
January 14, 2026 20:05 UTC
CBL agrees monetary and trade reform package
Libya’ Central Bank (CBL) says it is facing mounting challenges in maintaining monetary stability and the exchange rate, as political instability and weak fiscal discipline continue to weigh on the economy. In a statement on Tuesday, the CBL said its Monetary Policy Committee held its first meeting of 2026, reviewing measures taken last year, developments in the economy, foreign currency use and expected challenges in the months ahead. The committee discussed tighter regulation and supervision of currency exchange activities to improve discipline and transparency in the foreign exchange market. It also examined risks linked to rising public spending and growing public debt, and their impact on foreign reserves. The bank said the committee approved a package of monetary and trade policy reforms aimed at supporting market stability, curbing the parallel market and protecting reserves.
Source:Libya Observer
January 14, 2026 20:00 UTC
Arrest of suspect accused of killing 21 illegal migrants in Ajdabiya
The Internal Security Agency, Ajdabiya branch, announced on Tuesday the discovery of several mass graves containing the bodies of 21 people of various nationalities, who were killed by an individual with a criminal record. According to a statement by the agency, security forces raided the suspect’s farm after gathering information and confirming his involvement in the crime and arrested him. The statement noted that several people of various African nationalities were found being held on the farm, some of whom had been shot and were in poor health, confirming that they were transferred to Ajdabiya Teaching Hospital.
Source:Libya Observer
January 14, 2026 19:22 UTC
Decline in trade between Libya and Italy in 2025
Trade between Libya and Italy declined during the first nine months of 2025 due to a drop in crude oil imports, coinciding with the launching of new economic cooperation and infrastructure projects in western and eastern Libya, according to Italy’s Nova Agency. Nova reported that Italy’s imports from Libya amounted to €4.64 billion, representing a year-on-year decrease of 19.3%. Libyan oil exports accounted for €4.25 billion, followed by natural gas at €251 million, and refined petroleum products at €98 million. Italian exports to Libya also saw a slight decline, totaling €1.44 billion during the same period, according to the agency. Data indicate that total bilateral trade reached €6.08 billion, down 18.4% from €7.46 billion in the same period of 2024.
Source:Libya Observer
January 14, 2026 16:28 UTC
Minister of Economy Hwej meets UK Ambassador to Libya to discuss trade and investment cooperation
The Ministry of Economy and Trade reported today that its Minister, Mohamed Al-Hwej, met at the Ministry’s Tripoli headquarters with the UK Ambassador to Libya, Martin Reynolds, to discuss aspects of trade and investment cooperation between the two countries. He also called for strengthening cooperation with the Tripoli based Libyan government and supporting its efforts to achieve political and security stability, which would contribute to implementing the government’s plan for developing and diversifying the national economy. UK support for political, security and economic stabilityFor his part, the Ministry reported, the British Ambassador affirmed the Kingdom’s support for the efforts of the Tripoli government, which contribute to achieving political, security, and economic stability in Libya. He noted the Embassy’s Trade Office’s readiness to enhance cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Trade to improve the business environment in the Libyan market, thereby encouraging British investors to establish long-term partnerships in areas of mutual interest. He also directed the strengthening of cooperation between the relevant departments and offices within the Ministry and the Trade Office at the UK Embassy on joint economic and investment matters.
Source:Libya Today
January 14, 2026 13:48 UTC
Oil prices decline amid resumption of Venezuela’s exports and fears of disruption to Iranian supplies
London – Oil prices fell today, Wednesday. At the same time, fears are escalating over potential disruptions to Iranian supplies. Brent crude futures dropped by 0.15%. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures also declined. WTI settled at $61.02 per barrel.
Source:Libya Today
January 14, 2026 13:12 UTC
The National Oil Corporation assures citizens that fuel supply and supply operations are continuous and ongoing without interruption
Tripoli – The National Oil Corporation (NOC) reassured citizens. Fuel supply and delivery operations continue without interruption. The NOC’s statement urged intensified efforts. The National Oil Corporation urged distribution companies. It also urged fuel stations.
Source:Libya Today
January 14, 2026 10:10 UTC
In its first meeting for 2026: The Committee Concerned with Following Up on the Conditions of Libyans Imprisoned Abroad Proposes Establishing a Specialized Body to Follow Up on the Conditions of Priso
It was formed by a decision of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The committee discussed legal and humanitarian issues. These issues concerned Libyan citizens detained outside the country. The committee includes House of Representatives members Al-Salehin Abdulnabi, Ahmed Al-Sharef, and Al-Sayyida Al-Yacoubi. It will also ensure the rights of Libyan citizens abroad.
Source:Libya Today
January 14, 2026 08:01 UTC
Raid uncovers illegal migrant boat manufacturing facility in Khums
The General Administration of Security Operations has announced the raid of a factory dedicated to manufacturing boats used in illegal migration in the Celine area of the city of Khums, following careful monitoring and tracking operations. The administration stated that the operation resulted in uncovering a factory preparing “death boats,” seizing the boats that were under construction, and arresting the workers involved in the manufacturing process inside the facility, according to a post on its Facebook page. The Special Tasks Administration confirmed that all necessary legal measures were taken, including the seizure of the confiscated items and the referral of the suspects to the Public Prosecution to complete the investigations and take the required actions.
Source:Libya Observer
January 13, 2026 21:51 UTC
Egg boycott campaign spreads in Tripoli after prices hit record levels
The campaign began on social media, where activists called on residents to stop buying eggs until prices fall. Retailers blame wholesale pricingFrom the perspective of retail sellers, some shop owners said the rise is being driven by wholesale market dynamics. In central Tripoli, Mahmoud Rashid, who owns a shop there, said the increase is mainly tied to wholesale prices that traders set in market networks. He described the move as standing with citizens against the escalation of egg prices to what he considered excessively high levels. The Poultry Breeders’ Union also said the main drivers include an unjustified rise in feed prices and trader manipulation.
Source:Libya Today
January 13, 2026 20:41 UTC
Libyan research bodies sign agreement on peaceful nuclear applications
The General Authority for Scientific Research has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Atomic Energy Establishment aimed at strengthening cooperation in scientific and technical research, with a focus on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The agreement was signed on Tuesday by Faisal Al-Abdali, Director General of the Libyan Authority for Scientific Research, and Al-Hashimi Mohammed Al-Abyad, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Establishment. According to officials, the memorandum seeks to enhance joint research programmes, develop national expertise and expand the exchange of scientific knowledge. Both sides said the move supports Libya’s broader efforts to promote scientific research and innovation, build human capacity and contribute to sustainable development, while addressing national priorities. They added that continued implementation of the agreement would help deepen institutional partnership in line with international best practice and recognised scientific standards.
Source:Libya Observer
January 13, 2026 20:07 UTC
National Reconciliation: A Slogan That Lost Its Way
Talk of national reconciliation in Libya is no longer merely a political file discussed in closed salons; it has become the single true test of the seriousness of the actors dominating the scene today. The Presidential Council’s signing of the “National Reconciliation Charter” may appear, in theory, to be a positive step. From this perspective, it is hardly surprising that critical files such as reconciliation are managed far from popular referendums or open national debates that would ensure transparency. True reconciliation cannot be imposed “from above” through top-down decisions, nor can it be reduced to fragile elite bargains aimed at sharing power rather than repairing harm. In conclusion, reconciliation today stands at a crossroads: either it is managed with historical courage that ends the state of division, or it is once again hijacked to become nothing more than a slogan raised in international forums while reality remains bitter.
Source:Libya Observer
January 13, 2026 20:07 UTC
NOC warns budget shortfall threatens production
The National Oil Corporation (NOC) has warned that the absence of an operating budget and mounting debts are threatening efforts to maintain and increase oil production. The warning came during a meeting in Tripoli on Monday with the Administrative Control Authority, attended by senior officials from both institutions. NOC chairman Masoud Suleiman said the corporation had not received an operating budget during 2025, while debts owed to service companies and suppliers had continued to rise. He said this had placed the corporation under severe pressure, forcing it to balance production targets against growing financial constraints. Meanwhile, the head of the Administrative Control Authority, Abdullah Gaderbouh, rejected what he described as unsubstantiated criticism of the NOC.
Source:Libya Observer
January 13, 2026 18:40 UTC
Election of Haffaf Al-Aswad as Mayor of Sabha Municipality Unanimously
Sebha -Today, Tuesday, the electoral procedures for electing the mayor of Sebha Municipality were completed. The voting process resulted in the election of Haffaf Omar Ali Al-Aswad as mayor. He was elected by the unanimous vote of the elected municipal council members. The election of the Sebha mayor follows the announcement of final results by the High National Elections Commission. The results were for municipal council elections in eight municipalities.
Source:Libya Today
January 13, 2026 15:16 UTC